Returned Services League (RSL) branches are concerned that parents pushing prams and children wearing dirty jeans are taking away the dignity of the Anzac Day march. Amid recurring concerns that the number of children and descendants marching in the parade are swamping the veterans, branches across Australia are introducing new rules for this years' marches.

Queensland and South Australian Anzac Day organisers will require descendants of living veterans to march at the back of the Brisbane parade. While the NSW branch will not enforce a ban, it has requested that descendants march in an allocated group in the Sydney parade. In Melbourne, the Victorian RSL will only allow one descendant per veteran.

NSW RSL president Don Rowe said concern is growing among veterans that too many descendants are marching. "Some of the units have said no they don't want descendants marching at all," he told AAP. "Last year, there were some units with about four veterans and 40 descendants who were marching all around and you lost track of where the veterans were."

He said he was shocked to see medals being divided between grandchildren, leaving the veterans to wear only one. This was in breach of RSL rules. Some descendants were also showing disrespect for the march by attending wearing shabby clothes, Mr Rowe said.

"Some people come with dirty joggers, an old pair of jeans, T-shirts with something written on it and their hands in their pockets, walking up the street. If you don't realise what it's about then don't bother turning up - simple as that."

Victorian RSL president David McLachlan said despite some veterans' unhappiness at descendants marching, there is a good balance. "But what we don't want to see is families coming in with strollers and babies ... We want to preserve the dignity of the march."

Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin would not comment on the issue, saying it was not something politicians should be involved in. But Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said she was always moved by the sight of children in the parade and it would be a pity if they were banned from marching with the veterans.

"To me that's very moving and I am a bit surprised by this decision," Ms Bligh said.